Karin's Rainbow Gathering 2011 news and ideas for creating a safe, fun and healing gathering in Washington State, July 1 - 7, 2011. As with all things related to Rainbow Gatherings, this is not an official source of information and represents my thoughts and opinions only. Other people will have different ideas. Email me if you wish.

The council was held on a farm near Northport, Washington, in the northeastern part of the state. A barn was converted to a council and live-in space by volunteers from Spokane, and bales of hay were stacked on all four sides extending to the rafters, with the bales set in tiers above the floor and used for sitting and sleeping. A cast iron stove was used for heating, and a large table was used for serving food. Sheets of plastic were secured to the rafters overhead, which afforded a comfortable space for the event. Food was cooked in a house on the property, and brought to council area.

About 34 folks arrived on Thursday and Friday, and hipstories and heartsongs were shared. Also on Friday, agenda items were listed in preparation for counciling on Saturday. A brother spoke of the gathering being a destination for the economically displaced and politically discouraged, in reference to folks without rainbow experience. RAP 107/701 distribution was encouraged. The Rainbow Family of Living Light is pro-peace and pro-environment. We live in a peace village that we construct on the spot with our resources, time, and shared intent. The community movement of the Hippie era has waned, many of the folks who gather are seeking community. Our arms and hearts are open.

Pictures of sites that were scouted in Washington State earlier this year were shared by two folks that came to council.

Agenda items for the council on Saturday, November 27, were: Security, Welcome Home, intergenerational, a review of the annual gathering this year in Pennsylvania, dates on milestones, creation of an office (P.O. Box, bank, contact), death camp, front gate, announcements, breakouts/reports, scouting, Washington State local participation, and missing persons.

On Saturday, the council started at rainbow noon. It began with a consensus to have a scout rendezvous on May 8, and the site to be announced on April 3, 2011. Scout contacts may be made by calling a northwest rainbow lightline voice mail 503-727-2498. Leave a message with a phone number, to ensure a call back. Also another contact may be made by calling 541-915-1295.

The formation of an office, complete with five volunteers, was created with local folks in the Oroville, Washington area. The office will open the mail and receive magic hat donations designated for scouting and office expenses. Any remaining green energy will be turned over to a new bank to be created after Spring Council consenses to a site for the annual gathering next year in Washington State. The address is: Rainbow 2011, P.O. Box 76, Oroville, Washington, 98844. (Note: the word rainbow is needed in the address) A sister who is on the office has offered her e-mail address as a contact,.

Helping each other was encouraged, with the spirit leading.

Sheila sends her love, as well as Val and others who were not able to attend.

Spring council dates were discussed, and Sunday, June 12 was consensed, site to be announced by the office.

Town meetings were proposed, to be held at a location close to the gathering site. Two meetings, the first to be in the evening of Monday, June 20, and a second in the evening of Friday, June 24, with the events to include the local community.

The creation of a shanti sena workshop near main circle was presented, and folks in the circle encouraged respect as well as communication.

Death camp is a camp that attends the gathering each year. "Thanksgiving council discussed how to interact with what are perceived by some as disruptive camps within the gathering. We, Thanksgiving council consense to continue working with these camps with an open heart".

Trespass, legal issues, lawyers, as well as Federal and State laws need to be included in information to be passed on. Do shanti sena, not "i am shanti sena".

Sunday was open discussion on two agenda items, including the annual in Pennsylvania where an operating plan was created after many days of council at the site, and discussing the fall regional gathering in eastern Washington State earlier this year.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Lazy-Daze Retreats (509) 732-6686 is in Northport Washington, around 15 miles from the farm.

They have cottages/cabins they will rent for the weekend, (4 or 5 I believe) from 60/night for 2 people up to 80/nite for 4... none are so far rented. They add $10-$20/person if more people end up staying in any of them... in case folks are interested...

I talked with folks from spokane and the weather report is predicting 9 degree fahrenheit weather the 24th and 25th... and snow.

there is a campground in Evans that is down the road from Northport for $5 a day. it will be cold.

the site has a barn open to one side, (to be likely tarped off), which will be heated by a stove or two. there is wood ready for a bonfire, and for heating/cooking. there is some other inside spaces, and there will be made warm space outside as best can be, there is room for as many as come,.... but it will be cold outside,.. very,.. beautiful,..

grab supplies either in colville, or kettle falls (groc. store and gas in northport as well too), (decent cheap rooms at the kettle falls inn $35-$40/per since it's just out of hunting season, but they are a scenic 45
min drive from site.)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

As many of you who have been gathering for a while know, we have a complicated, sometimes contentious relationship with the United States Forest Service. If you're into understanding things from their point of view, a kind brother has put together a series of pages with lots of the USFS documents he obtained via FOIA requests.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thanksgiving Council will be taking place on a farm near Northport Washington in the northeastern corner of the state. If you're flying, the nearest major airport is Spokane, Washington.

The farm has animals including llamas, a partially insulated barn with a woodstove for counciling, etc., and cooking facilities. There will be some additional propane space heaters to help keep people warm. A work party will start on November 18 to prepare for the council. If you are self-sufficient, interested in helping and aren't already plugged into this effort, please email me for more info. If you are planning on coming for the council and aren't able to be part of the work party, please do not arrive before Wednesday, November 24.

Please be aware the farm is at a 3,000 foot elevation and has already experienced some bouts of snow this season. Word is that snow doesn't last long, but be prepared. There are lots of open fields and plenty of parking. Wood and water are plentiful. 1/2 the barn is insulated, 1/2 the barn is not insulated.
DIRECTIONS:

In Northport, go east on Aladdin Road (there will be a sign saying Deep Lake). Go 3 miles. Take the second right (Stoddard Road) and go one mile to the end of the road and park.

This is a family farm, so be respectful and keep your dogs at home or on a leash so as not to frighten the llamas.

There are a couple of hotels within 15 miles or so if you prefer indoor accomodations. They're not cheap - close to $100/night according to my sources. 509-684-2010 (Comfort) or 866-925-7881 (Best Western)

Karin's Editorial

I was hoping that each one of you could reach out to family in or near Washington state and encourage them to attend at least a day or two of the council. This is a great opportunity to meet the other folks who will be putting energy into the gathering, learn how to plan the gathering, review potential sites for the gathering, share your sites with others to scout in the fall, and learn about how things happen.

Often, but not always, T-Council picks the dates for one or multiple scout councils (rendevouzs) and Spring Council. Often a mailing address is selected. Often people share their heartsongs and start creating the energy to manifest a beautiful gathering in the summer. Sometimes we argue and bicker. We are a family!

As with all things Rainbow, no experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. I am sending out positive thoughts that we will have good representation from the younger gatherers. This gathering can only continue when we share and learn the collective gathering wisdom.

If you’re new to counciling or need a brush up, I highly recommend reading the Counciling Mini Manual or the a rap on consensus so you can contribute to a positive council.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

At the 2008 gathering in Wyoming, a brother shot footage which became a documenatary film called "We Love You." I just got a message from him today that the film is now available online for your viewing pleasure in HD. For more information on the film, visit www.weloveyoufilm.com. Enjoy!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

It's that time of year folks. Thanksgiving Council (happens on the holiday weekend) is coming up and people in Washington are starting to focalize where the council is held. If you're not clear on the concept of focalizing Rainbow style, click here. As with all things Rainbow, no experience is necessary, just a willingness to work cooperatively with others.

Traditionally, the folks in the area of the upcoming gathering take the lead on focalizing the council, so if you're in Washington and want to plug in, email me and I'll hook you up with the effort.

The more positive and strong energy we put in at T-Council, the better the rest of the year goes. There's many things to do besides council like cooking food and child care and just getting a deeper understanding of what goes into focalizing a large gathering. Here's to a strong showing from Washington family.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Here's some things we can do to prepare ourselves and contribute to a safe and sane gathering for everyone.

Stock up on toilet paper to bring to the gathering

Get a local circle going to discuss ways your local family can contribute to the gathering. This could be 3 people or 30.

Build a handicapped person shuttle rickshaw.

Get your camping gear in order.

Brainstorm on something positive you can do for the local community on your way into the gathering.

Go to http://www.welcomehome.org and read all the cool info about gathering to prepare yourself.

Start getting your car in working order - all lights, turn signals, wipers, seatbelts, etc. Make sure you have registration, a drivers license and insurance or you may receive a mandatory court appearance ticket from the USFS LEOs

Build raised shitters - a Square plywood box with a whole on the top and a lid and no bottom for people who can't squat.

Get a job and earn some money so you can buy a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies, or medical supplies, or water filters to bring to the gathering.

Fix up some of those old tarps laying around and bring them to the gathering.

Collect art supplies and bring them to the gathering and plan an art camp.

Do a teach in for all the folks planning on coming home in your local community.

Plan a dog or cat camp to care for dogs or cats whose owners don't have their shit together.

Plan a ceremony to share with the family

Prepare an act for the variety show

Plan some activities to do with the kids in Kid Village

Make a commitment to work Welcome Home and the Front Gate with a few of your friends.

Do the ground work for hands free hand wash stations.

Do a fund raiser in your local community and donate the proceeds to the Magic Hat.

Start working out so you'll be in shape for hauling stuff at the gathering

Prepare a workshop to share with the family on something you are interested in.

And the list goes on and on.

The more planning energy we manifest now, the higher the gathering will be in 2011. Be the magic you wish to see at the gathering.

to join with us in gathering together for the purpose of expressing our sincere desire that there shall be peace on earth, harmony among all people. This gathering to take place beginning July 1, 1972, near Aspen, Colorado - or between Aspen & the Hopi & Navajo lands - on 3000 acres of land that we hope to purchase or acquire for this gathering -- & to hold open worship, prayer, chanting or whatever is the want or desire of the people, for three days, but upon the fourth day of July at noon to ask that there be a meditative, contemplative silence wherein we, the invited people of the world may consider & give honor & respect to anyone or anything that has aided in the positive evolution of humankind & nature upon this, our most beloved & beautiful world -- asking blessing upon we people of this world & hope that we people can effectively proceed to evolve, expand, & live in harmony & peace.

The truth is no one knows where the gathering will be at this time.

In July 2010, Vision Council on the land in Pennsylvania called for it to be in Washington State.

Thanksgiving Council

The next step in the process of landing on a site is Thanksgiving Council (T-Council) which takes place over the four day Thanksgiving Holiday in or near the area for the following gathering. This year T-Council will be in Washington State. This is a time of people to council and share their hopes and dreams for the 2011 gathering. If you have potential sites you think are worthy of scouting in the spring, bring topo maps and forest service maps. Directions and more information on T-Council will be available later - usually late October or early November so check back here or any of the other usual places.

Scout Council(s) or Scout Rendevouz

T-Council will pick dates for one or two Scout Councils. The locations will be announced one or two weeks before each date (here and all the usual places). Scout Councils/Rendevouz is a time for people out scouting to connect up, share information, talk about scouting efforts. As with all things Rainbow, no experience is necessary, just a desire to walk, learn, teach and share. If you come, please be self sufficient - have green energy for gas, food, etc. You don't need your own vehicle if you can be a positive traveling companion, but $$$ are always in short supply for scouting, so please bring enough for yourself and some to share with the person whose vehicle breaks down.

Spring Council

Spring Council is when all potential sites for the gathering are brought to any people who want to be involved in selecting a site. The council usually takes one to seven days and normally ends with either a consensus by silence among people at the council or an exodus of the majority of people heading to the site. T-Council will pick a date for Spring Council but the exact location generally isn't determined until one to two weeks before Spring Council starts.

Seed Camp

Once Spring Council reaches a decision, people move onto the site and start Seed Camp. Seed Camp is about creating trails, building kitchens, digging shitters, taping springs and dealing with the United States Forest Service. Historically, law enforcement harrassment is highest during Seed Camp so if you are planning on being there, take the necessary precautions to keep your self out of the system.

The Gathering

The main day of the gathering is July 4 when we observe silence from dawn until high noon and put our energy into manifesting world peace, the positive evolution of the planet and other good things. Many people observe this with a prayer or mediation for world peace. Others do Yoga for world peace, blow bubbles for world peace, etc. Basically, if it's a silent, gentle energy then it fits in very well. As to when the gathering starts, that's dynamic. It's usually one day during the last week of June when some friends and I look at each other and say "today it's a gathering." The earlier you come the more self sufficent you need to be and the rougher things with the Forest Service are. If you show up later, say after June 27, then most (but not all) of the drama has subsided.

Until spring council reaches a decision, there is no answer to the question "where is the gathering?"

Northwest Tribes Lightline

(503) 727-2498

Washington Family Lightline

Forwarded info: For good updated info on info for the Washington state annual gathering of the tribes 2011..please contact the Washington state lightline @ (509)217*6573 between the hours of 10am and 10pm Pacific Time unless it is a emergency!!! or dial 911!!!PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE!! on a side note please do not flood the lightlines with calls for direction to the nationals this will be chosen by consensus at spring council 2011 on june 12th..(site to be announced for that location)..please do not flood the lightlines with directions to holding camps these direction are to be announced very soon as well..please be patient family...i know everyone has rainbow fever..but this is a long process to get our family to the rite place at the rite time...WE LOVE YOU and we will see you soon!

Mailing Address

If you prefer to communicate via snail mail or want to send a few dollars to help with scouting or other pre-gathering related costs:

Washington Rainbow Gathering 2011 P.O. Box 76 Oroville, WA 98844

Rainbow Links

Welcome Home

I try to cover a wide range of gathering specific topics on this blog to help those new to gathering create a safe and positive gathering experience. If I haven't covered a topic on this year's blog, odds are I or a guest blogger covered it in one of the prior year's gatherings. Some of the information will be outdated, but most of the basics will be the same. If there's a specific topic you're curious about, email me and I'll try to cover it or invite a guest blogger to do so.

About Me

Getting into the gathering without getting a mandatory court appearance ticket

GETTING INTO THE GATHERING WITHOUT GETTING A MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE TICKET

Every year the United States Forest Service Law Enforcement (USFS) Incident Management Team (the cops) attempts to write as many tickets to family coming home as they possibly can to justify their presence. They give out tickets for broken tail lights, failure to use a turn signal in a deserted parking lot at 2 AM, lack of seat belts, controlled substances (even just a trace amount), beads hanging from your rear view mirrors, prescription medications if the label doesn't clearly have your name on it and you can't prove who you are, dogs off leash, a vehicle missing a front license plate even if you live in a state that does not issue a front license plate and a lot more violations of the letter of the law.

However, these tickets are not the type of citation you would probably receive for any of these issues in your hometown. These are mandatory court appearance tickets. There will be special court dates set up just for us, so we can go to the local courthouse, fire station or visitors center and go before a magistrate. In the past, charges have been reduced, fines were often minimal and the court has allowed people to make payment plans ranging from 90 days to pay $75 to 18 months to pay $25 depending on the hardship cases people have expressed.

If you do not show up for your mandatory court appearance on the date indicated on your ticket, a Federal Bench Warrant will be issued for your arrest. Then the USFS LEOs will come into the gathering looking for you. If they find you they will arrest you and put you in jail until the next court date. If this happens on a Friday afternoon, you will be in jail until Monday. If they do not find you at the gathering, the next time a law enforcement officer for any reason stops you, your ID will be run through the database and you will go directly to jail.

Of course, everyone is free to manage this situation as they wish but I strongly recommend you go to your court date. I have seen people charged with crimes that could potentially result in a six years sentence walk out with a $500 fine and three years’ probation. Keep in mind that every year the dynamic is different and these results may not always be available. There are lawyers at the gathering (I am not a legal expert) who attend the court dates and will assist as best they can although I recommend you catch up with them before your court date to gain a better understanding of your specific charges and strategies to get the charges dropped or reduced. If you do not know these people personally, go to INFO and let them know you received one of the magic tickets and you need legal assistance.